Factors Affecting Oral Communication In the EFL Classroom in Kuwait

Abstract

This study investigates the factors that affect oral communication in the English Language classroom. The importance of this study arose from the importance of oral communication in EFL learning. Through oral communication, the language is used through a context and that indicates a successful language learning. Oral communication involves two of the learning skills which are listening (the primary channel for learning) and speaking. That is why it is considered a vital element in language learning process. From this point, the researcher has chosen to study the factors that affect oral communication in the English language classroom in Kuwait. It has been noticed, in general, a lack in this skill in English classes while there is a great emphasis on the other skills like reading and writing. In this paper, the researcher has chosen students from different grades studying in the Higher Institute of Telecommunication and Navigation (HITN) in Kuwait. A questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data. The findings of the study shows different factors that affect oral communication in the EFL classroom such as: the teachers' attitude towards students' errors, the atmosphere of the class, the students' feel of anxiety and the fear of making mistakes, the lack of using English by students in communication in the class and outside the class, the problem of facing difficulties in speaking English, the great concentration on grammar in the syllabus and the limited use of recording for listening exercises.